Gore effect

The Gore Effect, named after Al Gore, is the observed effect that a visit from the former United States Vice President and current environmental activist frequently has on local weather. This effect was first described by the Australian columnist Paul Daley. "This column has previously noted the chilling effect Gore has on local areas when he begins speaking about crucial world-heating issues. In 2004, you might remember, a Gore speech on warming was greeted by one of New York's coldest nights in a century."

This non-scientific observation has been popularized by Australian blogger Tim Blair.

The earliest reported occurrence of a Gore Effect was January 15, 2004, in New York City. Al Gore visited the city to attend an environmental conference on what happened to be one of the coldest days in New York City's history. Al Gore informed the audience that global warming is causing record cold temperatures. This was widely regarded as an instance of confirmation bias on the part of Gore.

Numerous instances of this effect have been noted by Gore's online detractors since then.

None of the observers of the Gore Effect claim this to be a scientific phenomenon. Also, nearly every observance of the Gore Effect is coupled with a disclaimer that weather is not the same as climate. The Gore Effect is clearly intended to be a form of mockery. The effectiveness of this mockery is dependent on the preconceived notions of its audience in regards to the existence and dangers of climate change.

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